If you’re keen to catch some of the fall grape harvest in progress, you needn’t trip up to the Okanagan for wine country tours. Right in Vancouver’s own backyard, just a short trip up Highway 1, sits the Fraser Valley, where more than just a handful of wineries are offering wine tours and tastings.
Vista D’Oro
A mere 45-minute drive from Vancouver, Vista D’Oro is operated by husband-wife team Lee and Patrick Murphy, who bill it as offering “the ultimate agritourism experience.” It delivers. The tasting room is stocked with preserves made onsite from the property’s heritage orchard fruits, and management will happily put together a picnic for you to enjoy on those last warmish days. Open Thursday – Sunday, this welcoming winery creates no shortage of opportunities to spend some time sipping and sampling. Coming up November 12, a Pinot Noir Party; also, don’t miss their cookie tins on sale for the holidays, with proceeds going to children’s charities.
Suggested: D’Oro, fortified walnut wine.
Township 7
Winemaker Bradley Cooper (not to be confused with THE Bradley Cooper) splits his time between his Township 7 in both Naramata and Langley. The Langley winery is home to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot; if you call ahead, they may even let you help with the harvest. Head out on October 29 for the Harvest Stomp and Grape Party.
Suggested: Reserve 7 Meritage, a rich red for fall.
Domaine de Chaberton
You are bound to work up an appetite while sipping and sampling your way through the vineyards. Domaine de Chabeton offers a full-service bistro open for both lunch and dinner. Stop in the tasting room first and sample wines such the Madeleine Sylvaner, made from grapes grown right on the 55-acre Langley property. Afterwards, settle in for a wine and food pairing in the bistro.
Suggested: Madeleine Sylvaner, an aromatic white.
Neck of the Woods
Named after the fact that the business in question is literally in Vancouver’s “Neck of the Woods,” this Langley winery is well worth a local look, as you’ll find unusual varietals such as Zweigelt, rich red blends, and a lovely bubbly made from 100% Fraser Valley-grown Pinot Noir. The winery building is, like most, available for parties, but also has a bookable board room that can seat fourteen.
Suggested: Blanc de Noir Brut, a bubble for celebrating.
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Image courtesy of Fraser Valley Pulse.
